CACHE Level 3 Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector

The CACHE Level, 3 Diploma in Early Years (Early Years Educator), is ideal for those seeking a comprehensive, regulated qualification in the field. Our Early Years Educator Level 3 course is perfect for aspiring practitioners or childcare workers looking to develop their skills. Additionally, with our Level 3 CACHE Early Years Educator course online, you can gain essential knowledge and advance your career in childcare at your own pace.

Take the next step in your childcare career today! Enrol in our Early Years Educator Level 3 course and start shaping young minds.

This Level 3 Diploma in Early Years also counts towards the Level 3 staff-to-child ratio in the childcare sector.

Qualification Title: NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator)

Qualification Number: 610/4164/6

Total Credits: 95

UCAS Points: 64

CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce

Hard copy certificate - Included

The CACHE Level 3 Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator) Level 3 RQF, qualifies students as Early Years Educators, enabling them to count in the Level 3 staff-to-child ratios in childcare settings. This qualification meets the criteria for staff-to-child ratios in the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework. The criteria are set by the Department for Education.

There are 10 mandatory early years educator level 3 units to complete to confirm competence in an occupational role to the standard required.

The learning materials cover the following key themes:

• Physical, personal, social, emotional, spiritual wellbeing, and cognitive aspects of learning
• Legislation, frameworks, and professional practice
• SEND and partnership working

While the course focuses on gaining knowledge and practical experience in working with children aged 0 to 5, learners will also gain knowledge of children aged 5 to 7 throughout the course content.

Upon completion, learners will have the knowledge and experience required to become full practitioners in early years education. Potential job roles post-completion include:

• educator in day nurseries
• educator in nursery schools
• educator in reception classes in primary schools
• pre-school worker

To complete this course, students must complete a work placement, either paid or voluntary, of at least 350 hours. The workplace must be in mainland England and a childcare setting catering to children aged 0-5. For this work placement, learners require supervision from a staff member with occupational competence who can prepare and sign the occupational evidence of practice forms.

Upon enrolling in any of our NCFE CACHE courses, become part of the CACHE Alumni. CACHE Alumni is a professional membership network for those working in the healthcare and education industries. It is free to join and supports practitioners, learners, and educators throughout their learning journey. Benefits include two years of access to the latest articles across the healthcare sector and complete access to valuable webinars, podcasts, and career support.

Course units

Unit 1: Introduction to the role of the early years educator

Unit 2: Holistic Child Development

Unit 3: Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)

Unit 4: Effective communication in an early years setting

Unit 5: Safeguarding and welfare requirements

Unit 6: Health, wellbeing and safety

Unit 7: Promoting an effective early years curriculum

Unit 8: Assessment of children’s learning and development

Unit 9: Understanding play for holistic development and learning

Unit 10: Partnership working

This course is perfect for anyone looking to undertake a fully licensed Level 3 qualification which covers the skills and knowledge units required to become a Level 3 Early Years Practitioner and work in ratios within a setting.

There is no previous learning knowledge or experience needed to enrol on this early year educator course. However, students must be over 16 years of age to enrol in our level 3 childcare courses or early years courses online.

Learners will need to hold a suitable level 2 English qualification in order to count within the staff: child ratios at level 3. In addition, from January 2024, a manager or a learner who starts in a manager role will also need to hold a suitable level 2 Maths qualification. International qualifications can be checked in liaison with the DfE.

Upon completion of this qualification, students are awarded an NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector Certificate. All certification fees are included in your course fees. This qualification is suitable for a range of different career paths in settings such as:

• Early Years Practitioner
• Early Years Teacher
• Children’s Centre Worker
• Playschool Assistant
• Childminder / Nanny